Keira Knightley: Inside lavish Anna Karenina"s wardrobe

Two million dollars worth of Chanel diamonds and vintage Balenciaga-inspired gowns were just some of the items found in Keira Knightley's wardrobe, as she transformed into the 19th Century Russian princess, Anna Karenina.

Costume designer Jacqueline Durran revealed to WWD: 'Never in my experience on film sets have I seen anyone with such a range of diamonds and pearls.

'But I have to say it was very useful for Keira to have at her fingertips all this fine jewellery, as Anna would. It was the aura of Anna Karenina that we were creating.'

Fit for a princess: Keira Knightley had more than $2million worth of Chanel fine jewellery at her fingertips, as she played the role of Anna Karenina, in Joe Wright's latest movie adaptation

Knightley is seen throughout the film, which hits U.S. theaters on November 16, dripping in luxurious accessories, such as a diamond necklace adorned with a camellia motif from Chanel's Joaillerie line.

Joe Wright’s new film adaptation of the 1877 Tolstoy novel, was filmed over the course of 12 weeks, on 100 different sets.

Behind the scenes: Knightley and director Joe Wright on the set of Anna Karenina

Rather than Knightley dress in period costumes circa 1870s, the time the original novel is set, Wright suggested that Durran should draw from Fifties-inspired silhouettes for a more contemporary feel.

As well as studying sketches from the likes of Christian Dior, Balenciaga and Lanvin, Durran also visited the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where she got further inspiration from Charles Frederick Worth.

The 19th Century English designer is widely considered the pioneer of Parisian haute couture.

Describing the amount of time and effort that went into every outfit, Durran recalled: 'When we were discussing what color kimono Keira should wear, we had five different heads of various departments.

Contemporary twist: Wright suggested that the costumes should draw from Fifties-inspired silhouettes, from the likes of Christian Dior, Balenciaga and Lanvin

'It is a good thing to say that, because it shows how important each aesthetic is to his films.'

Knightley also had input into what she would wear, although Durran notes that she would never say “I don’t like this dress”.

A purple silk gown worn by the actress in the film is currently on show at London's V&A museum as part of its Hollywood Costume exhibition.